Question

Older people are vulnerable to poor nutritional status and have an increased risk of developing health problems as a result of an inadequate food intake. Identify and discuss FIVE (5) social or psychological factors that affect food choice and selection in older community living adults and may compromise nutritional intake. [20 marks]

Answer 1

Factors that affect poor nutritional status in old community --

1) Cost and accessibility -- cost of food is primarily determinant of food. Accessibility to food is another important physical factor affecting food choice which is dependent on resources and geographic location.

2) Socioeconomic status -- socioeconomic status of people determine nutritional status. Like rich family can afford their needs while poor people cannot Afford their nutritional needs.

3) Education and knowledge -- education about nutritional status of food is important factor in determining needs. Like if a people has good knowledge about nutritional status, what amount of carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibers etc present in diet

4) physchological factors - stress , mood, eating disorder -- if a people is stressed or depressed then he is not able to eat food properly. He might not taking the meal throughout the day.

5) changing food behavior , successful intervention

6) Hunger, appetite, taste

7) social factor like culture, family, peers

8) palatibility, availability etc